ALMOST PERSUADED Acts 26:1-29

1.WE ARE CALLED TO PERSUADE (WITH WISDOM) Paul has a “goal” in his conversation: Acts 26:29 – conversion. Herodians: Historical adversary - Herod Great, Matt 2; Agrippa 1, Acts 12 (James); Antipas, Mark 6 (John Baptist); Christ, Luke 23.

PERSUASION VS MANIPULATION Manipulation is coercion through force to get someone to do something that is not in their own interest. Persuasion is the art of getting people to do things that are in their own best interest that also benefit you (v 29, 32). Forbes, 3/26/13, Jason Nazar

PAUL’S ESSENTIALS OF PERSUASION 1.His appointment, equipping. V16; 1 Cor 3:16 2.Assumed interest.” 25:22, John 6:44 3.Paul mentions what they have in common. V2-3, 4-5; Paul proves himself to be a credible witness. V4-5;10-12; 24 5.Paul is willing to come again. V 29

2.WHY DOES PAUL ATTEMPT TO PERSUADE? God desires Agrippa be saved. 1 Tim 2:4. Agrippa is: 1.In darkness. V 18, 23; John 12:35, 46; v 18 2.Under satan’s dominion; v18. Col 1:13 3.Under judgment. Acts 4:12; Romans 6:23

2.WHY DOES PAUL ATTEMPT TO PERSUADE? 4.Agrippa was spiritually blind. “To open their eyes”; 2 Cor 4:4 Matthew 9:36 5.Paul had been spiritually blind: V9, I had to do things hostile… V11, I tried to force them to blaspheme

3.WHY SHOULD WE BECOME PERSUADERS? God has given us the ministry of persuasion: 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 Acts 1:8 Romans 10:14-15 Matthew 28:19-20

WHAT ARE YOUR CHAINS? V 29. Paul’s hindrances to persuasion: 1.Death. Ignatius – 110AD 2.Rejection, ridicule, mocking. 3.Imprisoned indefinitely.

ARE YOU PERSUADED? V 16. Get up, stand on your feet – I have appointed you for this purpose.